Every issue of substance to be raised during India, China talks: MEA spokesperson

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin assured here on Thursday that the process of discussing every issue of substance between the leaders of India and China has already begun.

Speaking to ANI, Akbaruddin said, "When the leaders of important countries like India and China meet at the summit level, these are the occasions of discussing every issue of substance. I can assure you that process has already started. Yesterday the issue of substance has already been raised at the highest level. There are several opportunities for discussion and all issues of a substantive nature including the recent one will be addressed."

Akbaruddin's comments have come after reports said that a thousand armed Chinese soldiers transgressed into Indian territory on Wednesday.

"India and China have a very broad base relationship. We are focused on multiple areas of cooperation and we will continue to pursue those areas of cooperation too. I will tell you the outcomes of these once the detailed discussions are completed today," added Akbaruddin.

"But, let me assure you with all the sincerity that these issues have been raised and issues of recent concern including the recent events will also continue to be discussed today," he concluded.

India and China will be holding delegation-level talks here today with the objective of expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss important regional and international issues today.

It is expected that the talks will be focused on boosting trade and investments, besides a discussion on substantive issues, including the unresolved boundary question.

It is being reported that China is keen to invest its money in upgrading India's railway infrastructure, industrial parks, power generation and smart cities.

India on the other hand will be keen to seek market access in China for its IT and pharma companies and attract Chinese investment to reduce its mounting trade deficit.

Both sides are also expected to discuss cooperation in civil nuclear energy.